'Tentative deal' reached with NYC Macy's staff to avoid strike

Macy's says it has reached a tentative deal with the union representing workers at its flagship store in New York City, avoiding a strike.

The department store said on Thursday that it had worked overnight with the union on negotiations.

The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union represents 5,000 workers, including 3,500 from the store.

The union's big issues had included health care, unpredictable schedules and pension plans for senior employees.

Macy's said that it does not plan to release further details about the tentative agreement.

The current contract expired at midnight on Wednesday.

The New York City store, a tourist attraction famous for its prominence in the city's Thanksgiving Day parade, has not had a strike since 1972.